Platteland Preview Information for Performers

What is the Platteland Preview?

It’s a preview of the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown. The tiny dorp of Smithfield lies half-way between Gauteng and Grahamstown, on the N6. It’s a convenient stop-over for audiences and performers headed to the National Arts Festival. We invite performers to break their journey here for a last technical rehearsal before arriving in Grahamstown. We provide free accommodation, free venues with basic lights and sound, publicity – plus a share in the door takings.

You, the performers, give this tiny dorp a festival, bringing live shows to our rural area – and we give you the opportunity to iron out all the creases of your show so that you arrive in Grahamstown ready to roll.

Several of ‘our’ shows have gone on to win awards after previewing at our festival, and performers say it was incredibly helpful to have been be part of our event in Smithfield. Even those who didn’t win awards say the experience helped the quality of their productions.

We already have a reputation as a fabulous boutique festival, where audiences become a community. The programme is structured so that audiences can see every show and a very special atmosphere is created during the festival weekend which inspires visitors and performers alike.

So apply – this is a fantastic opportunity to be part of our festival!